The Geneva-based non-governmental organization Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said on Tuesday that more than 600 journalists died of COVID-19 in 59 countries over 10 months in 2020.
The figures means an average of 60 journalists died per month over the period of 10 months.
More than half of the victims (303) were from Latin American countries according to PEC.
Latin America was followed by Asia (145 deaths), Europe (94), North America (32) and Africa (28).
Because of their profession, journalists who go into the fioeld to testify are particularly exposed to the virus.
“Some of them, especially freelancers and photographers, can’t work from home,” said PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen.
The PEC said it believes that media workers covering those suffering from COVID-19 should have priority access to immunization upon request.
